Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement

ARN has long sought to reflect and represent all nurses pursuing excellence in rehabilitation practice, in turn, reflecting and representing our diverse patient populations and allowing for the highest level of cultural humility. Our organization is strengthened by our support of members inclusive of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and life experiences. Through these values and beliefs, ARN fosters and respects the diverse ideas, opinions, and thoughts that will ensure our community continues to excel, innovate, and encourage learning and leadership. Furthermore, ARN recognizes the significance of the contributions that a diverse community of nurses can make to the field of rehabilitation.
Therefore, ARN is committed to:

• Speaking up and condemning unjust treatment, acts of racism, and discrimination;
• Embracing, celebrating, and recognizing the differences of every human being regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or life experiences; and,
• Ensuring an environment without fear or inequality, with respect and engagement that contributes to personal growth and visibly embraces our differences within ARN for the viability, attraction, and strategic impact of the association.

ARN is also committed to:

• Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion in ARN strategic planning;
• Supporting the Diversity Equity & Inclusion Taskforce;
• Engaging with members in order to broaden understanding, seek recommendations, adequately plan, and address the needs of all rehabilitation nurses;
• Striving to end the unjust, unfair treatment of diverse individuals by partnering with other associations, organizations, and institutions;
• Taking significant, concrete action to ensure that all members are afforded equitable opportunities and support for growth, development, and service in all areas within ARN, including appointed and elected positions; and,
• Advocating for policy changes that end all forms of systemic racism, as well as unequal, unjust treatment for all minorities, and improve nurses’ access to healthcare and resources for optimal human growth and personal and professional development.

Approved by the
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force on January 11, 2021.
ARN Board of Directors on January 7, 2021.